Industrial decarbonisation (ID) is a complex, cross-cutting challenge that calls for a mix of policies rather than a single approach. This paper builds on existing policy mix literature, arguing that bottom-up instrument mixes can fail to be consistent and comprehensive not just due to conflicting goals or missing instruments, but also missing information. It also considers how centrally coordinating policy functions can improve top-down coherence while undermining bottom-up coordination. Drawing on 118 expert interviews, the authors present the first detailed study of ID policy and regulation in a major OECD country, the UK, showing how a top-down focus on hydrogen and carbon capture innovation sits alongside existing planning, environmental, safety, and skills regulation, with limited coordination and resources slowing progress.
JOURNAL: Beyond industrial decarbonisation strategy: Lessons from the bottom-up policy mix in the United Kingdom, 2021–2023
Summary
Authors:
Matthew Lockwood
Kyle Herman
Marfuga Iskandarova
Anna Pultar
John Ferrier
Benjamin K. Sovacool
Heriot-Watt University
Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados S.C.
Beyond industrial decarbonisation strategy: Lessons from the bottom-up policy mix in the United Kingdom, 2021–2023
Energy Research & Social Science
December 2025
Associated Research
IDRIC – MIP 1.4 Smart policy and governance for industrial decarbonisation